Livable and Sustainable Communities

FTA advocates and supports initiatives that demonstrate ways to improve the link between public transit and communities. We at FTA believe public transportation provides critical services that connect all members of the community with employment, health, educational, and other important opportunities and services. This page highlights how FTA programs fit into the larger DOT Livability Initiative and the Interagency Partnership for Sustainable Communities.

Livability at the Department of Transportation

U.S. DOT's Livability Initiative enhances the economic and social well-being of Americans by creating and maintaining a safe, reliable, integrated and accessible transportation network that enhances choices for transportation users, provides easy access to employment opportunities and other destinations, and promotes positive effects on the surrounding community. DOT will build on innovative ways of doing business that promote mobility and enhance the unique characteristics of our neighborhoods, communities and regions. DOT has already taken significant strides to improve livability through numerous programs.

Under the Livability Initiative, federal policy will enable communities to:

Provide more transportation options to improve access to housing, jobs, businesses, services and social activities.

Increase public participation and enhance coordination of transportation and housing and healthy communities.

Reduce emissions.

Plan for unique needs.

FTA will work with other DOT agencies to craft details, identify gaps in existing programs and examine new legislative concepts to further the Livability Initiative. See the Federal Highway Administration's livability initiative.